Tour de France Hits 50 on the Champs-Élysées – And It’s More Epic Than Ever
The 50th anniversary of the Tour de France’s arrival on the Champs-Élysées will be marked by celebrations and historic reflections this year
The 2025 Tour de France marks a significant milestone, celebrating fifty years since the first dramatic finish on the Champs-Élysées. Before 1975, the race’s last stage wrapped up at the Parc des Princes stadium or the Cipale velodrome, keeping the celebratory parade away from the iconic avenue that’s now ingrained in cycling lore.
This year stands out for a significant change in the route. Riders will tackle the steep slopes of Montmartre, facing three ascents via the well-known Rue Lepic. Sprinters, who usually favor a flat finish, may find the going quite a bit tougher this time.
This adjustment closely mirrors the challenges faced in the course during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Quick Route Facts:
- Date: July 27, 2025
- Final Stage: Mantes-la-Ville to Champs-Élysées (120 km)
- New Feature: Triple ascent of Butte Montmartre via Rue Lepic
- Key Landmarks: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, Champs-Élysées
For the first time, the Paris finale won’t stick to the old script. Riders need to survive Montmartre’s notorious climbs before they even see the Champs-Élysées.
The organizers announced this on May 14, and honestly, it’s got fans buzzing—nobody’s quite sure how it’ll play out.
This fiftieth anniversary isn’t just about who crosses the line first. Organizers want to light a spark for the next generation in Paris, especially the kids.
Fifty local club youngsters will get their moment, parading down the avenue in those famous yellow shirts. They’ll soak up the cheers from a grandstand set aside just for them.
It’s a pretty cool way to get involved in the biggest day French cycling has.
Notable Milestones Since 1975:
| Year | Innovation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Champs-Élysées finish | First time the Tour ended here, changing race history |
| 1975 | Polka-dot jersey introduced | Created for best climber; instantly became an icon |
| 1975 | White jersey introduced | Honors the top young rider each year |
| 2025 | Montmartre climbs added | Riders face triple ascents before podium celebrations |
Traditionally, sprinters circle this stage on their calendars. Guys like Mark Cavendish have made it their playground, racking up wins on the Champs-Élysées straight.
With Montmartre in the mix, though, pure sprinters might need to rethink their game plan—or just dig a lot deeper.
Montmartre’s steep, winding roads and the sharp punch of Rue Lepic are built for drama. Watching the peloton snake past Sacré-Cœur and those classic Parisian streets should look amazing, whether you’re on the curb or glued to the TV.
Stage Highlights at a Glance:
- Three climbs of Montmartre
- Spectacular run along Rue Lepic
- Parade of 50 young cyclists in yellow
- Grandstand view for cycling club members
- Traditional finish on the Champs-Élysées
Fans, riders, and organizers all seem pretty amped. With these changes, the 2025 race is shaping up to be a real standout in the long, winding tale of cycling in Paris.
